SOUL YOUTH CONVENTION
Mod Jazz Funk from the mid 90’s TOKYO! text by amaro
“Street Echo,” the debut album by Soul Youth Convention, was released in 1996 under Typhoon Records. This album encapsulates the vibrant music scene of Udagawa-cho in Shibuya during the mid-90s, a time when the area boasted around 200 vinyl shops, many clubs, and venues, and was a hub for DJs, musicians, and music enthusiasts. Soul Youth Convention became a legendary mod jazz funk band among these communities, with their sound inspired by the rare groove of the 70s, punk, and dub. Their music still echoes with the spirit and energy of that era. Listen and feel the pulse of mid-90s Tokyo!
Track:48- wall (Two-tune medley)
Profile
Formed in 1995, Soul Youth Convention released their self-produced 12-inch vinyl record “Soul Youth Formed in 1995, the same year they released a self-produced 3-track 12-inch vinyl, “Soul Youth Convention.” The 8-member band, featuring a brass section of three and guest musicians, began performing live at venues such as DJ Bar Ink stick Shibuya, Shibuya On Air East, and Roppongi Yellow.
In 1996, they released a 5-track CD, “Street Echo,” under Typhoon Records. The album received acclaim for its danceable jazz-funk tracks inspired by rare groove, punk, and dub.
In October 1997, they released an 8-track CD album, “Ghetto Ride,” under the major label Nippon Crown. This album continued their jazz-funk style, with guest appearances by musicians like Ao Inoue from Dry & Heavy and mixer Dub Master X, adding a stronger dub influence to the work.After that, they continued performing live at venues such as Shibuya Club Quattro and Osaka Shinsaibashi Club Quattro, but disbanded in 1999.
Members
- Kazuki Kohama: Trombone, Vocals, Leader
- Hiroki Nakamura: Trumpet
- Ken Kobayashi: Alto Saxophone
- Katsuaki Takagi: Baritone & Soprano Saxophones
- Jun Inoue: Guitar
- Shin Hirose: Bass
- Haruhiko Sasaki: Keyboard
- Toshio Fuke: Drums
- Hiroshi Iida: Percussion
Soul Dressers Racing Through Dogenzaka
The Heartbeat of 90s Shibuya Music Scene
The Shibuya-kei scene, which can be described as the Shibuya subculture that emerged in Shibuya in the 90s, was undeniably influenced by the explosive Acid Jazz movement in the UK.
Eddie Piller from Acid Jazz Records, Paul Bradshaw from Straight No Chaser magazine, and Paul Weller inspired us to scour record shops, hunting down records and buying heaps of them (in a time when 12-inch records could be bought for less than ¥1,000). For us, who flocked with friends in secondhand clothing stores and clubs, Shibuya—a place that was in some ways very domestic—was extremely comfortable and perfect for gathering information.
Caught in the whirlpool of an era where we had to be hip and cool at all costs, we might have been somewhat fortunate. I am grateful to the friends and people involved who supported us.
Kazuki Kohama
To Takagi-kun,
Let’s have a session again someday!
Rest peacefully in heaven.
From all the members.
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